"GET OUT!"
After kicking an egotistical, rude (albeit gorgeous) jerk out of her store, Cassie thinks she's seen the last of him.
Too bad he's a prince.
And that she's his maid.
Queen Klara beamed. "Come closer, Miss Cassie. You are so far away."
The other women stared incredulously as I walked toward the table, as per the Queen's request.
"The Queen Maiden is announced at our annual Autumn Festival in October." She started. "For the festival, there are many festivities held by the locals, but it is my responsibility to plan the activities here around the palace. One important tradition here in Aregano is that the Queen chooses the Queen Maiden for the day. It started many years ago for some important reason, but I shan't bore you with the history. Essentially, I choose a fine young maiden here in Aregano and she is treated wonderfully for the day. It is a great honor to be the Queen Maiden."
"When do you usually select this Queen Maiden?"
"Oh, there is no set date, but I try pick my maiden within the few weeks leading up to the festival."
"So you are to pick one soon, then?" I asked.
"Indeed, quite soon," Queen Klara nodded.
"Ah, so this is the time where every young woman flatters and charms you?" I dared.
The Queen let out a hearty laugh. "Indeed, Miss Cassie! You are quite sharp. I do enjoy this time greatly. I daresay, I get almost as much attention as my son from the ladies!"
"That's quite a feat, your majesty," I smirked, and stole a glance at Prince Coleman, whose eyes were burning a hole in my head.
"Enough of this!" Prince Coleman grumbled.
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After tea, the ladies left the castle and Prince Coleman and I returned to his room.
"That was an interesting tea party, wouldn't you say so, Prince Coleman?" I asked.
"That's a word for it." His bad mood permeated from him.
"Aw, are you cranky?"
He glared at me.
"Sorry." I shook my head. "I don't understand why you are so annoyed by everything, really."
"My mom just likes to push my buttons," he answered.
"What did she do that was so bad?"
"You wouldn't have noticed."
There was an awkward beat of silence.
"So..." I broke the ice. "What five languages do you speak, Prince Coleman?"
"English, French, German, Spanish, and..." He paused and narrowed his eyes. "Russian."
"Do you have a vendetta against the Russian language?" I rose my eyebrow.
